Brush bristle holder assembly

ABSTRACT

A brush holder includes a wrap made of a flexible material having a first end and a second end. An attachment portion is coupled to the band and formed to hold a portion of the brush handle adjacent the band and at least one brush bristle that is overlaid on the band. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the wrap adjacent the first end or the second end, the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the band around the bristles of the brush. The band is further configured to wrap around the bristles and to hold the bristles in a substantially straight orientation during storage and while drying to reduce/prevent the bending of the bristles.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Non-Provisional application claiming benefit to U.S. 63/236,872, filed on Aug. 25, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to brushes and brush holders, and more particularly relates to a brush holder that supports brush bristles while drying.

Description of the Related Art

When painting a structure such as a wall or a ceiling, a paint brush is first coated with liquid paint and then used to apply the paint to a surface of the structure. After the painting is completed, the paint brush must be cleaned so that the liquid paint on the bristles of the brush does not harden and ruin the brush's capacity to be reused.

Once the bristles have been used and subsequently cleaned, the wet bristles oftentimes become bent, and if allowed to dry in a bent position, tend to remain bent permanently. The bent bristles cause problems to the painter during reuse, making it difficult to paint straight edges.

Accordingly, there is a need for a paint brush bristle holder that maintains the bristles of a paint brush in a desired orientation (e.g., straight) when drying to avoid the bristles from becoming bent. The brush bristle assembly according to the present disclosure addresses at least some and/or all of such needs.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a brush holder includes a wrap made of a flexible material having a first end and a second end. An attachment portion is coupled to the band and formed to hold a portion of the brush handle adjacent the band and at least one brush bristle that is overlaid on the band. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the wrap adjacent the first end or the second end, the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the band around the bristles of the brush. The band is further configured to wrap around the bristles and to hold the bristles in a substantially straight orientation during storage and while drying to reduce/prevent the bending of the bristles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of those provided herein. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary to a person of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all the components or steps that are illustrated. Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a brush bristle holder assembly consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of a brush bristle holder assembly consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a paint brush configured with a brush bristle holder assembly in a first placement consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a paint brush configured with a brush bristle holder assembly in a second placement consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a paint brush configured with a brush bristle holder assembly in a third placement consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a paint brush configured with a brush bristle holder assembly in a fifth placement consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, and according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a brush bristle holder assembly is provided. In some embodiments, the brush bristle holder includes a band that wraps around the bristles of a paint brush to hold the bristles straight while drying (e.g., after the bristles have been cleaned of paint). According to the present disclosure, the bristles dry in a straight orientation and are properly preserved for reuse.

In one embodiment herein, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the brush bristle holder assembly 10 includes a wrap 100, and an attachment portion 200. FIG. 1A shows the front 111 of the assembly 10 and FIG. 1B shows the back 113 of the assembly 10. In general, the wrap 100 includes a layer of material designed to encircle and hold the bristles of a brush (e.g., a paint brush) in a desired orientation (e.g., extending straight outward from the brush handle) while the bristles dry. Accordingly, the bristles may be preserved in a proper alignment for reuse. The attachment portion 200 is designed to secure the brush to the wrap 100 during use. The brush bristle holder assembly 10 also may include other elements and/or components to perform its functionalities.

For the purposes of this specification, the brush bristle holder assembly 10 will be described predominantly with respect to its use with a paint brush. However, it is to be understood that the assembly 10 may be used with other types of brushes, and that the scope of the assembly 10 is not limited in any way by the type(s) of brushes that it may be used with.

Wrap 100

In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the wrap 100 includes a band 102 that preferably includes a flexible material that may be wrapped around the bristles of a brush. In some embodiments, the band 102 includes a flexible material such as, without limitation, cloth, fabric, textile, mesh, denim, knitted materials, woven materials, plastic, rubber, other types of flexible materials, and any combinations thereof.

The band 102 includes a first end 104 (e.g., a left end as shown in FIG. 1A), a second end 106 (e.g., a right end as shown in FIG. 1A), and a band body 108 extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106. In some embodiments, the band 102 includes a first attachment mechanism 110 located on its front side 111 towards the second end 106. The attachment mechanism 110 is provided to secure the second end 106 of the wrap 100 in place during use. In other words, the band can be opened, closed, or adjusted in circumference by the attachment mechanism 110. This arrangement will be described in detail in other sections.

As shown in FIG. 1B (depicting the back of the assembly 10), the back side 113 of the wrap 102 includes an attachment surface 112 configured to attach to the first attachment mechanism 110 when the first attachment mechanism 110 is pressed against the attachment surface 112. It may be preferable that the attachment surface 112 extend across the entirety or at least the majority of the back side 113 so that the first attachment mechanism 110 may be secured to any location on the back side 113, as desired. As will be described in other sections, the attachment surface 112 is configured to engage and attach to the first attachment mechanism 110 once the band 102 is overlaid with a brush.

In some embodiments, the first attachment mechanism 110 and the attachment surface 112 include corresponding hook and loop material, hooks and latches, snaps, buckles, other types of attachment mechanisms, and any combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the first attachment mechanism 110 includes hook material and the attachment surface 112 includes loop material, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, the length of the band 102 from its first end 104 to its second end 106, as shown in FIG. 1A, is chosen to accommodate various brushes having various widths. That is, a single assembly 10 with a band 102 of a particular length may accommodate various brushes of different sizes (e.g., different widths). For example, in one embodiment it is contemplated that the length of the band 102 may be about 10 inches to about 18 inches, and in another embodiment the length of the band 102 may be about 12 inches to about 14 inches. However, it is to be understood that the band 102 may be formed in any length desired to perform its functionalities with any desired brush. It also is contemplated that more than one assembly 10 may be provided, with the assemblies 10 including bands 102 of different lengths so that each assembly 10 may accommodate a different width of bristles.

In addition, the height of the band's 102's body 108 is chosen to accommodate bristles of any length, with some bristles fully covered by the body 108 and other bristles at least partially covered by the body 108.

Attachment Portion 200

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1A, the attachment portion 200 includes a base portion 202 and a brush attachment mechanism 204. The base portion 202 and the brush attachment mechanism 204 are designed to receive and secure a portion of the brush (e.g., the brush's handle portion).

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2 , the base portion 202 may be configured with and extend downwards from the first end 104 of the band 102. The base portion 202 may include the same or similar material as the band 102 or may be constructed of different materials. It is contemplated that the base portion 202 may be an extension of the band 102 in a downward direction.

In general, the base portion 202 preferably includes a shape and form upon which a portion of a brush's handle may be laid. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the width of the base portion 202 is preferably chosen to generally correspond to the width of the upper handle portion of the brush, and the height of the base portion 202 is preferably chosen to generally correspond to the height of the upper handle portion that it may receive.

In some embodiments, a brush may include a generally inverted triangular portion that extends from the handle of the brush to the bristles of the brush. Accordingly, to fit with such a brush, the base portion 202 may be formed as an inverted trapezoid as shown in FIG. 2 . It also is contemplated that the base portion 202 may be formed as a downward facing triangle, rectangle, oval, as other shapes, and as any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the brush attachment mechanism 204 includes a loop 206 having an opening 208. As will be described in other sections, the loop 206 is designed to receive the handle of a paint brush through its opening 208 and to secure it thereto for use. The loop 206 may be constructed of fabric, elastic, string, rubber, plastic, metal, other types of loops 206 and any combinations thereof. Other types of attachment mechanisms 204 such as, without limitation, latches, clips, hooks, straps, other types of attachment mechanisms, and any combinations thereof.

In Operation

Configuring a paint brush PB with the brush bristle holder assembly 10 for use will next be described in relation to FIGS. 2-5 .

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 2 , a handle portion H of a paint brush PB is placed through the opening 208 of the loop 206, as shown in FIG. 1B, and the paint brush PB is positioned so that its bristles B extend upward adjacent the body 104 of the band 102 toward the first side 104. In this configuration, the upper portion of the handle H is overlaid with the attachment base portion 202, the lower portion of the handle H extends downward away from the assembly 10 and the brush bristles B overlay at least a portion of the band's 102's body 104.

Next, the body 108 of the band 102 is folded over the front of the paint brush PB from the second end 106 to the first end 104 (e.g., from right to left) in the direction of the arrow A and pulled tight (or generally tight). The result of this action is shown in FIG. 3 , with the band 102 folded to the left at a first fold line 114 at the right side of the bristles B.

In this configuration, the body 108 of the band 102 extends across the back side of the bristles B from left to right, and across the front side of the bristles B from right to left. In addition, a portion of the attachment surface 112 on the back 113 of the band 102 is preferably exposed to the front (preferably in the area of the bristles B as shown in FIG. 3 ).

Next, the body 108 of the band 102 is folded over the back of the paint brush PB from left to right in the direction of the arrow B1 and pulled tight (or generally tight). The result of this action is shown in FIG. 4 , with the band 102 folded to the right (behind the brush PB) at a second fold line 116 at the left side of the bristles B.

In this configuration, the body 108 of the band 102 extends across the back side of the bristles B from left to right a first time, across the front side of the bristles B from right to left, and across the back side of the bristles B from left to right a second time. In addition, the first attachment mechanism 110 and the attachment surface 112 are preferably exposed to the front, as shown in FIG. 4 .

Next, the body 108 of the band 102 is folded over the front of the paint brush PB from right to left in the direction of the arrow C and pulled tight (or generally tight). The result of this action is shown in FIG. 5 , showing the band 102 folded to the left at a third fold line 118 at the right side of the bristles B.

In this configuration, the body 108 of the band 102 extends across the back side of the bristles B from left to right a first time, across the front side of the bristles B from right to left a first time, across the back side of the bristles B from left to right a second time, and at least partially across the front side of the bristles B from right to left a second time. In this configuration, it is preferable that the first attachment mechanism 110 overlays a portion of the attachment surface 112 such that the first attachment mechanism 110 and the attachment surface 112 may be pressed together and mated to secure the second end 106 at the front of the paint brush PB.

As shown in FIG. 5 , these actions result in the band 102 wrapping around the bristles B thereby holding the bristles B in a generally upright and straight orientation with respect to the paint brush PB.

It is understood that while the actions described above show the band 102 circumscribing the bristles B approximately twice, the band 102 may be configured to circumscribe the bristles B any number of times, as necessary. For example, the band 102 may be configured to circumscribe the bristles once, once plus a fraction, two plus a fraction, and/or any other number of times. In any event, it is preferable that the band 102 wrap around the bristles B enough to fully circumscribe the bristles B at least once on all sides of the bristles B so that the entirety of the bristles B is held by the band 102. Note that in some configurations, the first attachment mechanism 110 may be mated with a portion of the attachment surface 112 on a side other than the front of the brush PB (e.g., on the back side). This may depend on the length of the band 102, and/or the width of the paint brush PB (and of the bristles B).

It is understood that the orientations of the wrap 100 and of the attachment portion 200 may be reversed (e.g., mirrored).

It also is understood that any aspect and/or element of any embodiment of the assembly 10 described herein or otherwise may be combined in any way with any other aspect and/or element of any other embodiment to form additional embodiments of the assembly 10 all of which are within the scope of the assembly 10.

Where a process is described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the process may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or with the assistance of a human).

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “at least some” means “one or more,” and includes the case of only one. Thus, e.g., the phrase “at least some ABCs” means “one or more ABCs”, and includes the case of only one ABC.

As used herein, including in the claims, term “at least one” should be understood as meaning “one or more”, and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with “at least one” have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as “the” and “the at least one”.

As used in this description, the term “portion” means some or all. So, for example, “A portion of X” may include some of “X” or all of “X”. In the context of a conversation, the term “portion” means some or all of the conversation.

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “using” means “using at least,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “using X” means “using at least X.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word “only”, the phrase “using X” does not mean “using only X.”

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “based on” means “based in part on” or “based, at least in part, on,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “based on factor X” means “based in part on factor X” or “based, at least in part, on factor X.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word “only”, the phrase “based on X” does not mean “based only on X.”

In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless the word “only” is specifically used in a phrase, it should not be read into that phrase.

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “distinct” means “at least partially distinct.” Unless specifically stated, distinct does not mean fully distinct. Thus, e.g., the phrase, “X is distinct from Y” means that “X is at least partially distinct from Y,” and does not mean that “X is fully distinct from Y.” Thus, as used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “X is distinct from Y” means that X differs from Y in at least some way.

It should be appreciated that the words “first,” “second,” and so on, in the description and claims, are used to distinguish or identify, and not to show a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, letter labels (e.g., “(A)”, “(B)”, “(C)”, and so on, or “(a)”, “(b)”, and so on) and/or numbers (e.g., “(i)”, “(ii)”, and so on) are used to assist in readability and to help distinguish and/or identify, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting or to impose or imply any serial or numerical limitations or orderings. Similarly, words such as “particular,” “specific,” “certain,” and “given,” in the description and claims, if used, are to distinguish or identify, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting.

As used herein, including in the claims, the terms “multiple” and “plurality” mean “two or more,” and include the case of “two.” Thus, e.g., the phrase “multiple ABCs,” means “two or more ABCs,” and includes “two ABCs.” Similarly, e.g., the phrase “multiple PQRs,” means “two or more PQRs,” and includes “two PQRs.”

The present disclosure also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges, etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” or “approximately 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant).

As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout the description and claims, the terms “comprise”, “including”, “having”, and “contain” and their variations should be understood as meaning “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to exclude other components unless specifically so stated.

It will be appreciated that variations to the embodiments of the disclosure can be made while still falling within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose can replace features disclosed in the specification, unless stated otherwise. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The present disclosure also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges, etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant).

Use of exemplary language, such as “for instance”, “such as”, “for example” (“e.g.,”) and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless specifically so claimed.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A brush holder, comprising: a wrap comprising a flexible material having a first end and a second end, the wrap is sized to form a band around bristles of a brush overlaid thereon; an attachment portion arranged on a surface of the band and configured to secure a portion of a brush handle extending from the band; and an attachment mechanism coupled to the wrap adjacent the first end or the second end, the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the band around the bristles of the brush; wherein the band is configured to wrap around the bristles of the brush and secure the bristles in a substantially straight orientation.
 2. The brush holder according to claim 1, wherein a circumference of the band is adjustable to secure the bristles of the brush in the substantially straight orientation.
 3. The brush holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is mated to an attachment surface on an opposite surface of the wrap to secure the band around the bristles of the brush.
 4. The brush holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is coupled to a front surface of the wrap, and the attachment surface comprises a back surface of the wrap.
 5. The brush holder according to claim 3, wherein the attachment mechanism and the attachment surface include corresponding hook and loop material.
 6. The brush holder according to claim 3, wherein the attachment mechanism and the attachment surface include corresponding hooks and latches.
 7. The brush holder according to claim 3, wherein the attachment mechanism and the attachment surface include corresponding snaps.
 8. The brush holder according to claim 3, wherein the attachment mechanism and the attachment surface include corresponding buckles.
 9. The brush holder according to claim 3, wherein the band is configured to circumscribe the bristles of the brush more than once.
 10. The paint brush holder according to claim 3, wherein the band is configured to circumscribe the bristles of the brush more than once including fractions of a circumscription.
 11. The brush holder according to claim 3, wherein the band is configured to circumscribe the bristles at least once on all sides of the bristles so that the entirety of the bristles is held by the band
 12. The brush holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is tapered.
 13. The brush holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a loop having an opening.
 14. The brush holder according to claim 13, wherein the loop is configured to receive the brush handle through its opening and to secure it thereto for use.
 15. The brush holder according to claim 13, wherein the loop comprises a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, elastic, string, rubber, plastic, and metal, and any combinations thereof.
 16. The brush holder according to claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting of latches, clips, hooks, straps, other types of attachment mechanisms, and any combinations thereof.
 17. The brush holder according to claim 1, wherein the flexible material comprising the wrap is porous.
 18. A method of constructing a brush holder, the method comprising: forming a band from a wrap comprising a flexible material having a first end and a second end, wherein band is sized to circumscribe bristles of a brush; arranging an attachment portion on a surface of the band that is configured to secure a portion of a brush handle extending from the band; and coupling an attachment mechanism to the wrap adjacent the first end or the second end, the attachment mechanism is configured to detachably connect to an attachment surface opposite the surface on which the attachment portion is arranged; and configuring the band to wrap around the bristles of the brush and secure the bristles in a substantially straight orientation. 